The 21st century teen values a healthy smile. New options in braces like Invisalign Teen make straightening teeth easy while being virtually invisible.

New 21st century orthodontic solutions

(ARA) – For the 21st century teen, a great smile isn’t just for school photos, it’s an everyday accessory that’s seen on their Facebook and MySpace pages, during IM sessions, on cell phones and more. It’s no wonder today’s tweens and teens want to put their best smile forward. So as a parent, how can you help?

First, understand that technology has made a big difference in teeth straightening for teens. Metal braces are gradually being replaced by more advanced, subtle options that are an ideal fit for kids’ active, social lifestyles — good news for teenagers who are already self-conscious about their appearance.

“Braces are dramatically different today compared to 10 years ago because today’s teens are far more socially aware, technologically savvy, face a greater degree of stress as they work to achieve educational goals and are involved in a variety of active sports and performing arts,” says Calif.-based orthodontist, Dr. David Boschken. “There’s no room for them to be sidelined with broken braces, or to even be distracted by the discomfort sometimes associated with fixed braces of any kind.”

Boschken explains that removable braces, like Invisalign Teen, are fast becoming a popular choice. The system uses a series of clear aligners made of lightweight plastic that sit smoothly on the teeth allowing for a more comfortable fit. Because the aligners can be removed, kids can eat, brush and floss as they would normally. Teens can smile with confidence while straightening their teeth since this treatment, unlike traditional metal braces, is virtually invisible.

Over one million people have made Invisalign their treatment of choice for achieving a beautiful smile. The new teen system adds special features that give parents peace of mind, like a blue dot wear indicator that is designed to fade from blue to clear, so parents can gauge whether their teen is wearing their aligners as much as they should be. Although the cost is about the same as traditional braces, the time savings can be invaluable for busy parents and teens with fewer office visits, no emergency trips for broken wires and shorter appointments.

Boschken offers some additional oral care tips to help active teenagers achieve and maintain a healthy smile:

1. Practice good oral hygiene now to reap long-term health benefits.
Help educate your teen about the risks of poor oral hygiene and gum disease, which has been linked to a range of serious general health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, cancer and low energy levels (not to mention bad breath). Make sure your teen brushes at least twice a day. Flossing is also important — especially in cases where teeth are crowded — to remove the plaque between teeth that is not removed with regular brushing. Finish with a fluoride mouthwash to help kill germs and keep tooth enamel strong.

2. Care for your braces.
No matter what type of braces your teen has, make sure they clean their teeth regularly to achieve the best possible results. Remind them to brush often and floss once daily between brackets for those with metal braces, or simply remove the clear aligners to brush and floss.

3. Visit the dentist regularly.
Even for today’s busy teens, it’s important to schedule regular dental appointments and teeth cleanings. Like adults, children and teens should visit their dentist every six months for a check-up. If your teen is experiencing any problems, more frequent visits may be necessary.

4. Visit an orthodontic specialist early.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7. Most patients begin orthodontic treatment between ages 9 and 16, but some problems may be easier to correct if treated early.

“Between school, sports, social media and friends, teenagers today want a great smile so they can make a lasting impression,” concludes Boschken. “From new choices in braces, to advanced oral-care products, today’s teenagers have more lifestyle-friendly options than ever before.”

To find an Invisalign Teen-trained orthodontist in your area, go to www.invisalignteen.com/healthysmile.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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(ARA) – With the economy taking a nose dive, Americans are cutting back on spending — from food and travel to even medical treatments. Both health care and dental care are taking a back seat to more urgent needs.

According to a recent survey by Cigna, a leading provider of health benefits, 41 percent of Americans are taking worse care of their health because of the economy. In fact, nearly half of Americans report that someone in their household has skipped necessary health care in the past year due to the cost, according to a recent Kaiser Foundation Poll. A recent study published in “Health Services Research” found that an increase in unemployment may be associated with fewer preventive care visits.

Even though times are tough, it is still important to take care of your body, particularly your oral health. With 92 percent of adults ages 20 to 64 experiencing dental caries — which can lead to cavities — in their permanent teeth at some point in their lives, proper oral care routines and preventive dental care visits are more essential than ever for achieving a cleaner, healthier mouth.

New York-based dentist Dr. Gregg Lituchy advises “include a fluoride rinse in your daily oral care routine to help protect your teeth against cavities. I recommend my patients use an anti-cavity fluoride rinse that delivers multiple benefits, such as Listerine Total Care Anticavity Mouthwash from the makers of Listerine Antiseptic, a product that has been trusted for more than 100 years and has more than 50 clinical studies supporting its safety and efficacy.”

Dr. Lituchy offers four easy tips to help reduce the risk of oral care problems and maintain a beautiful smile — without hurting your wallet:

* Multitask. Rinse your mouth with an anti-cavity mouthwash while you’re washing your face.

* Avoid sticky situations. Foods that stick to your teeth create an environment for bacteria to thrive, so the best strategy is to brush your teeth after meals and snacks.

* Don’t skip your dental check-ups. Visiting your dental professional at least twice a year is the best way to maintain good oral health and detect problems early on that could cause you more economic pain in the future.

* Technique matters. Learn the proper way to brush and floss. Ask your dental professional or visit the American Dental Association Web site, www.ada.org, which offers educational tutorial videos.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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